Uploaded May 2024 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago

---

In this edition of Keeper Chat, Naturalist Donnie highlights what makes the Hog Island boa one of the most exciting animals Zoo guests may encounter at the Minnesota Zoo. It is smaller than most boas and has a unique pink coloration that distinguishes it from other boa species and provides camouflage throughout the rainforests of the Cayos de Cochinos Islands, or Hog Cays.

Because of their physical traits, Hog Island boas have been popular targets in the pet trade, resulting in a stark population decline. Although they are still endangered, having an extremely small population, partnerships among zoos, scientists, and governmental agencies have reversed the course of their decline and their numbers are now on the rise. Let’s keep that trend going!

Follow us:
Minnesota Zoo mnzoo.org
Facebook facebook.com/mnzoo
Instagram instagram.com/mnzoo
Twitter twitter.com/mnzoo
LinkedIn linkedin.com/minnesota-zoo